Taunton Race 5 - Dragonbet The Roar Before Cheltenham Welcome Offer Handicap Hurdle
SPECIAL JOHN (4) was successful in first two chases over 4800m before failing to quite see out the extended trip when favourite for a big-field Windsor event in latest. Hotly fancied to return to winning ways here. WALKINTHEPRESENT (8) managed to benefit for the move up to this distance when beaten 1.25L third last start. Cheekpieces retained and may give a good account. INCHAGOILL LADY (9) races off a light weight. Holds a decent course record with a win and two placings. In the mix. CHIEF BLACK ROBE (5) isn't quite the force of old however did finish runner-up attempting a Market Rasen chase last time. Might challenge. Something for the Multiples: WASHINGTON SINGER (1)

Jockey: Rian Corcoran
Weight: 76kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form impressive for this race. Freshened for 35 days. Last start finished fourth of 11 starters at Kempton Park on February 2 over 4200m, 24 len behind Guchen with 72.5kg at $5.50. The start before that; finished third in a small field at Lingfield on December 21 over 3900m, slow track; 10 len behind Jhentong Enki carrying 75kg at $5.50. Strong each-way hope.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 02/02/2026 | 43 | HDLE HCP 4U | $18,150.00 | Kempton Park | 4224m | Good Soft | Freddie Gordon | 72.5kg | 5:22.42 | 3-6-4 | 0 |
| 24.3L | $5.50 |
| 3/6 | 21/12/2025 | 16 | APP HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Lingfield | 3922m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 75kg | 5:09.64 | 6-3-3 | 0 |
| 10.3L | $5.50 |
| 5/14 | 05/12/2025 | 18 | HDLE HCP 3U | $11,340.00 | Exeter | 3721m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 76kg | 4:52.00 | 6-5-5 | 0 |
| 11.3L | $8.00 |
| 0/9 | 17/11/2025 | 270 | APP HDLE HCP 3U | $17,760.00 | Plumpton | 4123m | Good | Gina Andrews | 76kg | 5:19.55 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $5.50 |
| 2/11 | 20/02/2025 | 36 | HDLE MDN 4U | $13,980.00 | Lingfield | 3922m | Soft | Freddie Gordon | 71kg | 5:19.10 | 9-5-2 | 0 |
| 9.0L | $10.00 |
| 3/12 | 15/01/2025 | 60 | HDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Hereford | 3218m | Soft | Harry Reed | 71kg | 4:04.55 | 9-5-3 | 0 |
| 19.8L | $51.00 |
| 8/8 | 16/11/2024 | 209 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Good | Rex Dingle | 71kg | 3:55.00 | 1-5-8 | 0 |
| 19.5L | $15.00 |
| 3/10 | 21/04/2024 | - | HUNT FLAT 46 | $7,260.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Good | Rex Dingle | 71.5kg | 3:29.49 | 6-3-3 | 0 |
| 10.0L | $21.00 |

Jockey: Mr Harvey Barfoot-Saunt
Weight: 74kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Last outing came from midfield; finished ninth of 10 starters at Chepstow on February 13 over 4700m, on slow going 164 len behind Face D'music carrying 73kg at $251. At only start last preparation ran on from midfield; finished sixth of 11 starters at Plumpton on April 14 2024 over 5000m, 19 len behind Transmission carrying 69kg at $23. Fitter but hard to recommend on last couple.
Last Starts 24 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 13/02/2026 | 670 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Chepstow | 4727m | Soft | Harvey Barfoot-Saunt | 73kg | 6:28.98 | 6-9-9 | 0 |
| 164.5L | $251.00 |
| 6/11 | 14/04/2024 | 83 | HDLE HCP 4U | $31,760.00 | Plumpton | 5029m | Good | M G Nolan | 69kg | 5:57.10 | 6-7-6 | 0 |
| 19.8L | $23.00 |
| 99/10 | 22/01/2024 | 27 | HDLE HCP 4U | $12,070.00 | Plumpton | 5029m | Soft | Freddie Gingell | 74.5kg | 6:26.17 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $9.50 |
| 4/8 | 26/12/2023 | 38 | HDLE HCP 4U | $45,370.00 | Wincanton | 4928m | Good Soft | Sean Houlihan | 68.5kg | 6:36.94 | 1-4-4 | 0 |
| 13.0L | $41.00 |
| 10/15 | 18/11/2023 | 68 | HDLE HCP 4U | $54,450.00 | Cheltenham | 4828m | Soft | James Best | 64.5kg | 6:17.44 | 6-10-10 | 0 |
| 63.0L | $151.00 |
| 3/8 | 11/09/2023 | 11 | HDLE HCP 4U | $33,580.00 | Newton Abbot | 5330m | Good Soft | James Best | 72kg | 6:30.90 | - | 0 |
| 23.3L | $29.00 |
| 5/6 | 31/08/2023 | 28 | HDLE HCP 4U | $22,960.00 | Stratford Avon | 4425m | Good Soft | James Best | 69kg | 5:33.30 | - | 0 |
| 17.5L | $7.00 |
| 1/6 | 03/08/2023 | 3 | HDLE HCP 4U | $22,960.00 | Stratford Avon | 5330m | Good Soft | James Best | 68.5kg | 6:49.87 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $11.00 |
| 99/8 | 31/07/2023 | 15 | STPLE HCP 4U | $19,330.00 | Newton Abbot | 5230m | Good | H Cobden | 72.5kg | 6:29.78 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $6.50 |
| 2/7 | 16/07/2023 | 12 | STPLE HCP 4U | $13,880.00 | Stratford Avon | 4526m | Good | Nick Scholfield | 77kg | 5:37.83 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $4.33 |
| 1/7 | 04/07/2023 | 27 | HDLE HCP 4U | $15,700.00 | Stratford Avon | 4425m | Good | Nick Scholfield | 74.5kg | 5:33.45 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $29.00 |

Jockey: Tom Broughton
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Freshened for 36 days. First-up after three months raced on speed throughout then finished second of 7 runners at Market Rasen on February 1 over 3800m, on slow going 6 len behind Florita carrying 74kg at $8.50. Previously second-up finished second of 11 starters at Worcester on August 31 over 4600m, 1.3 len behind Pooroldmackley with 75.5kg at $13. Can find winning form this time.
Last Starts 36 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 01/02/2026 | 88 | STPLE HCP 5U | $14,520.00 | Market Rasen | 3822m | Soft | Fern O'brien | 74kg | 5:25.03 | 2-4-2 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $8.50 |
| 4/7 | 05/11/2025 | 22 | STPLE HCP 4U | $17,620.00 | Chepstow | 4727m | Good | Tom Broughton | 75.5kg | 6:30.90 | 4-4-4 | 0 |
| 42.0L | $5.50 |
| 5/6 | 14/10/2025 | 29 | HCP CHSE 4U | $29,520.00 | Market Rasen | 4305m | Good | Liam Harrison | 65.5kg | 5:44.80 | 4-6-5 | 0 |
| 12.3L | $5.50 |
| 5/8 | 15/09/2025 | 15 | HCP HDLE 4U | $11,160.00 | Worcester | 4626m | Good Soft | David Bass | 75.5kg | 5:59.87 | 6-5-5 | 0 |
| 29.0L | $8.50 |
| 2/11 | 31/08/2025 | 10 | HCP HDLE 4U | $11,160.00 | Worcester | 4626m | Good | David Bass | 75.5kg | 5:50.20 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $13.00 |
| 5/10 | 21/08/2025 | 65 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,610.00 | Newton Abbot | 5326m | Good | David Bass | 74kg | 6:32.54 | 7-2-5 | 0 |
| 9.8L | $34.00 |
| 3/6 | 17/06/2025 | 13 | HCP HDLE 4U | $13,190.00 | Stratford Avon | 3756m | Good | Tom Broughton | 75.5kg | 4:27.03 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 26.0L | $17.00 |
| 4/7 | 04/06/2025 | 446 | OPEN HDLE 4U | $15,430.00 | Newton Abbot | 4325m | Good | Tom Broughton | 68.5kg | 5:10.10 | 2-4-4 | 0 |
| 25.0L | $8.00 |
| 0/6 | 15/03/2024 | 12 | CHSE HUNT 5U | $8,880.00 | Fakenham | 4828m | Good | Myles Osborne | 75.5kg | 6:38.40 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $21.00 |
| 3/4 | 03/03/2024 | 183 | P2P | $0.00 | Ampton P2p | 4828m | Good Soft | T Broughton | 76kg | 6:39.50 | - | 0 |
| 13.0L | $6.00 |
| 2/4 | 02/09/2023 | 42 | STPLE HCP 4U | $16,390.00 | Newton Abbot | 4224m | Good | T Broughton | 73kg | 5:14.59 | - | 0 |
| 0.8L | $1.40 |

Jockey: Cameron Johnstone-Baker
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming today after two months. Finished off last preparation 4 of 9 starters at this track December 30 over 4800m, 8 len behind Mask Of Zorro with 70kg at $10. When resuming last campaign 3 of 11 runners at Stratford-On-Avon September 6 over 3270m, 2.75 len behind Hill Station with 74kg at $26. Could pose a serious challenge.
Last Starts 69 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 30/12/2025 | 40 | HDLE HCP 3U | $16,340.00 | Taunton | 4828m | Good | Ben Jones | 70kg | 5:57.99 | 3-2-4 | 0 |
| 8.3L | $10.00 |
| 7/8 | 20/11/2025 | 31 | HDLE HCP 3U | $14,970.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Good | Harry Cobden | 74.5kg | 3:34.83 | 6-4-7 | 0 |
| 11.5L | $6.00 |
| 3/5 | 20/10/2025 | 29 | HCP HDLE 3U | $14,560.00 | Plumpton | 3218m | Good Soft | Ben Jones | 73kg | 3:57.00 | 1-3-3 | 0 |
| 23.8L | $2.63 |
| 3/9 | 21/09/2025 | 15 | HCP HDLE 3U | $13,160.00 | Plumpton | 3218m | Good | Ben Jones | 74kg | 3:37.37 | 1-1-3 | 0 |
| 3.3L | $4.50 |
| 3/11 | 06/09/2025 | 157 | HCP HDLE 3U | $15,960.00 | Stratford Avon | 3282m | Good | Ben Jones | 74kg | 3:48.52 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 2.7L | $26.00 |
| 0/6 | 02/04/2025 | 23 | HCP HDLE M 4U | $13,610.00 | Ludlow | 3218m | Good | Ben Jones | 74.5kg | 3:41.88 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $4.33 |
| 1/5 | 10/03/2025 | 61 | HCP HDLE 4U | $13,380.00 | Plumpton | 3195m | Good | Ben Jones | 74kg | 3:55.59 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $4.00 |
| 5/10 | 08/01/2025 | 28 | HCP HDLE M 4U | $16,340.00 | Taunton | 3319m | Soft | Rex Dingle | 72.5kg | 4:21.72 | 1-5-5 | 0 |
| 19.8L | $7.00 |
| 2/9 | 11/12/2024 | 33 | HCP HDLE M 3U | $11,350.00 | Hereford | 3266m | Good Soft | Ben Jones | 71kg | 4:00.75 | 1-1-2 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $3.75 |
| 2/14 | 08/11/2024 | 18 | HCP HDLE 3U | $11,160.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Ben Jones | 72.5kg | 4:30.56 | - | 0 |
| 12.0L | $7.00 |
| 4/15 | 21/10/2024 | 19 | HDLE HCP 3U | $13,160.00 | Plumpton | 3218m | Good Soft | Ben Jones | 71.5kg | 3:48.40 | 3-2-4 | 0 |
| 11.3L | $17.00 |

Jockey: Ben Godfrey
Weight: 71kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 60 day let-up. Last outing made some head-way from midfield; finished seventh of 9 runners at this track on January 8 over 3300m, 52 len behind Onlyforfrankie carrying 73.5kg at $26. Race before finished tenth of 18 runners at Wincanton on December 16 over 3000m, on slow going 37 len behind Swingin Safari carrying 71.5kg at $81. Happy to risk here.
Last Starts 60 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 08/01/2026 | 23 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Taunton | 3319m | Good | Ben Godfrey | 73.5kg | 4:09.72 | 5-8-7 | 0 |
| 52.3L | $26.00 |
| 10/18 | 16/12/2025 | 39 | MHDLE 4U | $12,700.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Soft | Ben Godfrey | 71.5kg | 3:43.63 | 6-11-10 | 0 |
| 37.5L | $81.00 |
| 12/14 | 07/11/2025 | 176 | MHDLE 4U | $13,980.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good Soft | Rex Dingle | 71.5kg | 4:26.65 | 3-12-12 | 0 |
| 69.0L | $29.00 |
| 3/6 | 15/05/2025 | 54 | OPEN HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Sam Twiston-Davies | 71kg | 4:17.30 | 1-3-3 | 0 |
| 8.8L | $2.50 |
| 9/11 | 22/03/2025 | 63 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $184,500.00 | Newbury | 3281m | Good | Rex Dingle | 72.5kg | 3:54.90 | 1-7-9 | 0 |
| 18.3L | $8.00 |
| 1/6 | 18/01/2025 | - | P2P | $0.00 | Larkhill P2p | 3219m | Good | William Biddick | 75.5kg | 4:06.40 | - | 0 |
| 5.0L | $1.33 |

Jockey: Dylan Johnston
Weight: 69.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well. Last start finished third of 10 starters at Chepstow on February 13 over 4700m, slow track; 1.3 len behind Face D'music with 68.5kg at $4.50. Before that made some head-way from midfield; finished third of 7 runners at Uttoxeter on January 24 over 4000m, on slow going 6 len behind Eton Mes carrying 68.5kg at $3.50. Best form over the jumps stacks up well.
Last Starts 24 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 13/02/2026 | 20 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Chepstow | 4727m | Soft | Conor O'farrell | 68.5kg | 6:28.98 | 8-3-3 | 0 |
| 1.3L | $4.50 |
| 3/7 | 24/01/2026 | 46 | HDLE HCP 4U | $12,700.00 | Uttoxeter | 4023m | Soft | Robert Dunne | 68.5kg | 5:30.23 | 4-3-3 | 0 |
| 6.0L | $3.50 |
| 8/10 | 09/12/2025 | 23 | MHDLE 3U | $15,300.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Soft | Conor O'farrell | 73kg | 4:10.68 | 7-9-8 | 0 |
| 50.3L | $251.00 |
| 6/8 | 16/11/2025 | 17 | HDLE APP 4U | $13,980.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good Soft | Conor O'farrell | 70kg | 4:33.82 | 6-7-6 | 0 |
| 55.5L | $126.00 |
| 12/14 | 30/10/2025 | 194 | HDLE HUNT 46 | $22,140.00 | Stratford Avon | 3282m | Good Soft | Conor O'farrell | 70kg | 3:56.07 | 10-12-12 | 0 |
| 59.0L | $101.00 |
| 3/10 | 19/04/2025 | 21 | P2P MDN G 5 | $0.00 | Loughanmore P2p | 4828m | Good | N Mcparlan | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9.5L | $1.00 |
| 7/14 | 29/03/2025 | - | P2P MDN G 5 | $0.00 | Loughbrickland P2p | 4828m | Soft | N Mcparlan | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 17.5L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Mr Jack Stenhouse
Weight: 67.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 39 day let-up. Last outing finished fifth of 11 starters at Wincanton on January 29 over 4000m, on heavy track; 26 len behind Local Derby carrying 66kg at $8.50. Run before came from midfield; finished fifth of 10 runners at this track on December 30 over 4600m, 13 len behind Fat Faced Columbo with 62.5kg at $6.50. Looks safely held on recent form.
Last Starts 39 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 29/01/2026 | 30 | HDLE HCP 4U | $15,430.00 | Wincanton | 4023m | Heavy | Lewis Saunders | 66kg | 5:14.21 | 7-6-5 | 0 |
| 26.0L | $8.50 |
| 5/10 | 30/12/2025 | 19 | STPLE HCP 4U | $24,140.00 | Taunton | 4626m | Good | Chad Bament | 62.5kg | 5:50.18 | 6-5-5 | 0 |
| 13.3L | $6.50 |
| 2/9 | 11/12/2025 | 30 | STPLE HCP 4U | $20,510.00 | Taunton | 3621m | Good | Lewis Saunders | 68kg | 4:48.04 | 3-3-2 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $12.00 |
| 2/7 | 11/11/2025 | 160 | HDLE HCP 4U | $13,970.00 | Hereford | 4325m | Good | Lewis Saunders | 62kg | 5:28.17 | 4-3-2 | 0 |
| 10.0L | $8.50 |
| 6/9 | 04/06/2025 | 21 | HCP HDLE M 4U | $16,340.00 | Newton Abbot | 5330m | Good | Lewis Saunders | 67.5kg | 6:28.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.5L | $6.00 |
| 5/10 | 14/05/2025 | 35 | HCP HDLE 4U | $13,610.00 | Newton Abbot | 3721m | Good | Lewis Saunders | 64.5kg | 4:24.09 | 6-4-5 | 0 |
| 10.8L | $10.00 |
| 1/7 | 09/04/2025 | 47 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,610.00 | Taunton | 4807m | Good Firm | Lewis Saunders | 66kg | 5:54.38 | 5-3-1 | 0 |
| 0.3L | $4.50 |
| 0/14 | 21/02/2025 | 26 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,340.00 | Exeter | 4325m | Heavy | Freddie Gingell | 65kg | 6:05.29 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $9.50 |
| 0/8 | 26/01/2025 | 13 | HCP CHSE 5U | $16,420.00 | Fontwell Park | 5567m | Heavy | Bryan Carver | 66kg | 8:15.29 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $10.00 |
| 4/7 | 13/01/2025 | 27 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,610.00 | Exeter | 4649m | Soft | Gearoid Harney | 65.5kg | 6:15.34 | 1-3-4 | 0 |
| 7.8L | $7.00 |
| 3/9 | 17/12/2024 | 19 | HCP CHSE 4U | $13,840.00 | Wincanton | 5056m | Good Soft | Gearoid Harney | 71.5kg | 6:56.47 | 1-2-3 | 0 |
| 6.3L | $12.00 |

Jockey: Jack Tudor
Weight: 64.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 51 days. Last start finished seventh of 14 runners at this track on January 17 over 3800m, 13 len behind Bel Ombre with 65kg at $19. Run before pulled up at Wincanton on November 20 over 3000m. Might find this a bit too tough.
Last Starts 51 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/13 | 17/01/2026 | 58 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,610.00 | Taunton | 3823m | Good Soft | Charlie Hammond | 65kg | 4:53.26 | 10-5-7 | 0 |
| 13.7L | $19.00 |
| 0/9 | 20/11/2025 | 20 | HDLE HCP 3U | $14,970.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Good | Jack Tudor | 67.5kg | 3:35.59 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $23.00 |
| 6/8 | 31/10/2025 | 52 | HCP HDLE 3U | $11,160.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Good Soft | Jack Tudor | 69kg | 4:07.51 | 3-6-6 | 0 |
| 31.5L | $9.50 |
| 0/6 | 09/09/2025 | 94 | JHDLE 3 | $17,280.00 | Newton Abbot | 3419m | Good Soft | Jack Tudor | 73kg | 4:00.23 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $23.00 |
| 2/5 | 07/06/2025 | 52 | OPEN JHDLE 3 | $16,610.00 | Hexham | 3262m | Good Soft | Jack Tudor | 72kg | 4:16.43 | 1-2-2 | 0 |
| 29.0L | $3.75 |
| 1/9 | 16/04/2025 | - | HDLE CLM CG 3 | $34,540.00 | Fontainebleau | 3000m | Soft | Tom Servier | 66kg | 3:31.28 | 5-4-1 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $32.00 |